Android 10 has just been ported to the Nintendo Switch. Thanks to the hard work of the SwitchRoot team, it is now possible to enjoy a LineageOS 17.1 port based on Android 10 on your Nintendo Switch console. This version comes from the same team that originally ported Android 8.1 Oreo to the Nintendo Switch.
The version of Android 10 is based on LineageOS 17.1 for NVIDIA SHIELD TV and brings many improvements over the previous version, including a much needed hibernation mode so that the operating system does not end the battery life of your console. It is also generally faster and more responsive than the previous version of Android 8.1 Oreo, according to the SwitchRoot team.
The unofficial LineageOS 17.1 port * for the Nintendo Switch offers the following features:
- Android 10 based on Lineage 17.1
- OTA updates.
- Full support for Joy-Con and Pro Controller with analog controls and rails.
- Hori Joy-Con support.
- Deep sleep that can last for weeks.
- A version based on Android TV.
- Reworked fan profiles for quieter operation.
- Optimized dock support with resolution scale.
- A rewritten charger driver with support for USB-PD and third-party docks.
- Optimized touch screen driver.
- Easier installation via the Hekate partition tool.
- Simpler, reworked power profiles.
- Much improved WiFi driver with fewer interruptions.
- Shield TV remote app support for easy coupled control.
- Reboot to support payload.
- Enhanced support for Bluetooth accessories.
- Support for automatic rotation.
The ROM comes in two flavors: a tablet version that offers a standard Android UI with support for all applications and an version for Android TV that offers support for docked and undocked use cases, but has more limited application support. The former is recommended if you use the Nintendo Switch mainly when it is undocked, while the latter will offer a much better experience with the dock.
As for bugs and broken things, the developer says that games made for SHIELD (Half-Life 2, Tomb Raider, etc.) are not supported, and you may notice some problems with Bluetooth audio. Some applications may also not support the Joy-Con D-Pad.
To install this build, you will need a Nintendo Switch that can be exploited by RCM, a USB-C cable, a high-speed microSD card (formatted for FAT32) and a PC. If you already have the Android 8.1 Oreo build installed on your SD card, just make sure to back up your data before installing the Android 10 build, as updating this new ROM will erase all data. After installing the ROM itself, be sure to update the Google Apps package, the alarm deactivation ZIP, and the Xbox Joycon layout ZIP if you use an Xbox controller.
Installing Google Apps on a Nintendo Switch via TWRP. Photo: Adam Conway
If you are interested in trying out the LineageOS 17.1 ROM with Android 10 on your Nintendo Switch, go to the linked topic below, where you will find all the necessary information, including a step-by-step guide to flashing. Congratulations to the bylaws of the developers, Steel01, CTCaer, Langerhans, Ave and other contributors for their efforts in making this happen!
Download LineageOS 17.1 for Nintendo Switch
* To be clear, this is an “unofficial” compilation of LineageOS 17.1 because it is not being built by the LineageOS team. However, it is “official” in the sense that it is made by the SwitchRoot team that originally ported Android to the Nintendo Switch.